Mrs. Claus is always experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen at the North Pole. Long Island breweries are no different; they brew innovative beers using a variety of ingredients in their Christmas craft beers. This holiday season, breweries are showcasing seasonal ingredients including maple, cranberries, butternut squash, oranges and candy canes. They are also brewing up heavy, dark, complex, winter seasonals. If you’re counting down to Christmas with a craft beer advent calendar, be sure to stock up on these holiday favorites.

Lithology Brewing -Farmingdale, NY

Watermill Holiday Ale- 8.25% abv

Looking for a seasonal beer that isn’t too heavy? Try the Watermill Holiday Ale made with butternut squash. The winter squash gives this beer a sweet yet nutty flavor. This ale is 8.25% abv, but the squash flavor keeps it light and smooth.

Maple Cinnamon Amber Ale- 5.1% abv

This ale has a beautiful amber hue and the aromas of maple and cinnamon smell like fresh baked cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. This ale isn’t over sweet or spiced, making it easy to drink. The Maple Cinnamon Amber Ale has all the flavors you would want in a fall cider, but inside a well-crafted beer.

Spiced Rock Hammer Vanilla Porter- 6% abv

This porter is vanilla, spice and everything nice. This beer contains real vanilla beans, chocolate, coffee and of course a little seasonal spice. The roasted malt flavor is sure to warm your soul on a cold winter day without the heaviness of a stout.

Spider Bite Beer Co. – Holbrook, NY

Cran It In Your Mouth- 6% abv

Cranberries are holiday staple. Did you know that cranberries are considered a Native American superfood? This cranberry ale perfectly balances sweet and tart. You’ll be thankful for this beer this holiday season.

Boris Jr. – 11.5% abv

If you love Boris the Spider Russian Imperial Stout, you will love this specialty imperial stout, Boris Jr. Enjoy aromas of chocolate, coffee and a variety of malts as you sip this strong specialty stout.

Overbite- 11% abv

Overbite is a black double IPA. This beer was brewed to be strong and keep you warm on cold winter nights. Overbite has a toasty malt flavor that is slightly bitter but satisfying. Watch out Stone and Odell Brewing, Spider Bite’s black double IPA is top-notch.

1940s Brewing Company -Holbrook, NY

 Appley Ever After (Gluten-Reduced Seasonal) – 6% abv

1940s Brewing Company has a gluten reduced option on tap, made by a Celiac for Celiacs. Gluten-free brewer, Michelle Pagano, uses apple juice with a hint of honey. An enzyme called Clarity Ferm, reduces gluten down to a level acceptable for celiacs. Whether you are gluten-free or not, Appley Ever After is definitely worth trying.

Orange Whip (Imperial Oatmeal Stout)- 8.5% abv

Oatmeal gives this beer a smooth and nutty flavor while the orange peels and vanilla beans give it a creamsicle like feel. This beer is dark and creamy with a full-bodied roasted flavor. This imperial stout is strong and sure to provide winter warmth.

Po’Boy Brewery – Port Jefferson Station, NY

Candy Cane Cider

You don’t have to travel all the way to North Pole for festive ciders from Po’ Boy Brewery. Candy Cane Cider has a sweet peppermint twist, reminiscent of the Christmas confectionery treat. This cider will leave a slight tingle on your lips and a minty fresh aftertaste.

Gingerbread Cookie Cider

Taste, taste fast as you can, this cider tastes just like a Gingerbread Man! The Gingerbread Cookie Cider has notes of ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Enjoy the seasonal spice of this Christmas cookie inspired favorite.

Spice Fig Beer

Forget the figgy pudding; this Spice Fig Beer embodies the flavors of the iconic English dessert. The Spice Fig Beer has notes of dried fruits, nutmeg, cinnamon and molasses. This beer will have you singing, we all want some figgy beer!

Po’ Boy Brewing is adding new ciders and beers to their lineup every two weeks, go and try them before they tap out.

Great South Bay Brewing – Bay Shore, NY

Sleigh Ryed -6.6% abv

Great South Bay’s red rye winter ale, is worth traveling over the hills of snow for. It has piney notes of juniper berries, sweet malts and a hint of spice from the rye. Be sure to have presents under the tree and Sleigh Ryed in the fridge this holiday season.

Brewers Collective -Bay Shore

Long May She Reign -10% abv

The Brewers Collective is known for brewing a variety of constantly changing beers. Their winter seasonal is named after the thrilling fantasy, Long May She Reign. This imperial stout has notes of chocolate and coffee and reigns strong at 10% abv.

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